As summer travel peaks across Europe, aviation authorities are intensifying warnings about a common travel accessory: the portable power bank. The British Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has reported that lithium battery-related incidents in checked luggage have more than doubled in 2025, with 643 cases recorded compared to 316 in 2024. The CAA now considers lithium battery fires the number one safety risk to aircraft.
The problem stems from the high energy density of lithium-ion batteries, which can overheat or short-circuit, leading to fast-spreading electrical fires. While cabin crew can manage such fires in the passenger compartment, a blaze in the cargo hold is far more dangerous and difficult to contain. The CAA notes that, on average, two lithium battery incidents occur weekly, often causing flight delays or diversions when bags must be removed.
European Airlines Tighten Rules
Several major carriers have updated their policies. In January, the Lufthansa Group—which includes Lufthansa, Austrian Airlines, Eurowings, and SWISS—banned the use of power banks during flights and limited the number per passenger. Passengers must now keep power banks in the seat pocket, under the seat, or on their person. Similarly, Qantas, Emirates, Cathay Pacific, and Singapore Airlines have prohibited charging devices via in-seat power outlets.
In May, an easyJet flight from Hurghada to London was forced to divert to Rome after a passenger reported that a portable charger was in the hold. In October, video footage showed flames erupting from an overhead bin on an Air China flight, reportedly caused by a lithium battery.
What Passengers Need to Know
The International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) recommended in March that passengers carry no more than two power banks and refrain from recharging them during flights. The CAA has echoed this guidance, adding that many travellers remain unaware of the regulations. Laptops placed in checked bags should be completely powered off to reduce risk.
Tim Alderslade, Chief Executive of Airlines UK, described the issue as a “growing challenge.” He added: “Whilst pilots and cabin crew are trained to deal with any situation, the best outcome is always prevention, which starts when passengers pack their bags.”
The warnings come amid broader efforts to improve air travel safety. The European Parliament recently finalized air passenger rights, including rules on cabin luggage and compensation for delays. Meanwhile, the European Central Bank is pushing banks to fortify defenses against AI cyber threats, reflecting a wider focus on risk management across sectors.
For now, the message from aviation authorities is clear: keep power banks, vapes, and other lithium battery devices in your carry-on luggage, and avoid using them during the flight. As Alderslade emphasized, prevention starts at home—or at least at the packing stage.
